OBJECTIVE: Although the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model is currently used widely for endovascular research and device testing, procedural causes leading to animal morbidity and mortality have not yet been clearly described. We conducted a retrospective study to analyse factors contributing to neurological deficits in rabbits that underwent the elastase-induced aneurysm creation procedure at our research center from 2002 to 2005 in order to improve the technique and reduce procedure-related morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A total sample of 38 animals that underwent the procedure under the same conditions was analysed in two groups: animals that presented neurological deficits (ND, n=15) and animals that were neurological deficit free (NDF, n=23). Data were collected by reviewing the animal records and radiographic images from the procedures. Statistical analyses using the Mann-Whitney test, unpaired t-test with Welch correction and Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare the two groups based on variables associated with endothelial injury and activation of the coagulation cascade. RESULTS: The variables of animal weight (signifying state of health of the animal), total procedure time, total balloon occlusion time and clot formation were found to be significantly and/or very significantly correlated to ND presentation. DISCUSSION: Successful creation of the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model depends on careful control over several technical details. Important variables governing outcome have been identified here. A specific, improved endovascular arrangement that facilitates maneuvering of the devices and reduces the risk of air emboli is presented.
OBJECTIVE: Although the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model is currently used widely for endovascular research and device testing, procedural causes leading to animal morbidity and mortality have not yet been clearly described. We conducted a retrospective study to analyse factors contributing to neurological deficits in rabbits that underwent the elastase-induced aneurysm creation procedure at our research center from 2002 to 2005 in order to improve the technique and reduce procedure-related morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A total sample of 38 animals that underwent the procedure under the same conditions was analysed in two groups: animals that presented neurological deficits (ND, n=15) and animals that were neurological deficit free (NDF, n=23). Data were collected by reviewing the animal records and radiographic images from the procedures. Statistical analyses using the Mann-Whitney test, unpaired t-test with Welch correction and Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare the two groups based on variables associated with endothelial injury and activation of the coagulation cascade. RESULTS: The variables of animal weight (signifying state of health of the animal), total procedure time, total balloon occlusion time and clot formation were found to be significantly and/or very significantly correlated to ND presentation. DISCUSSION: Successful creation of the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model depends on careful control over several technical details. Important variables governing outcome have been identified here. A specific, improved endovascular arrangement that facilitates maneuvering of the devices and reduces the risk of air emboli is presented.
Authors: W Möller-Hartmann; T Krings; K P Stein; A Dreeskamp; A Meetz; R Thiex; F J Hans; J M Gilsbach; A Thron Journal: AJR Am J Roentgenol Date: 2003-09 Impact factor: 3.959
Authors: David F Kallmes; Naomi H Fujiwara; Stuart S Berr; Gregory A Helm; Harry J Cloft Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2002-02 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: A G Zaman; J I Osende; J H Chesebro; V Fuster; A Padurean; R Gallo; S G Worthley; G Helft; O X Rodriguez; J T Fallon; J J Badimon Journal: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol Date: 2000-03 Impact factor: 8.311
Authors: Timo Krings; Walter Möller-Hartmann; Franz-Josef Hans; Ruth Thiex; Anna Brunn; Kira Scherer; Alexander Meetz; Heiko Dreeskamp; Klaus-Peter Stein; Joachim M Gilsbach; Armin Thron Journal: Neuroradiology Date: 2003-05-28 Impact factor: 2.804
Authors: R Thiex; F J Hans; T Krings; W Möller-Hartmann; A Brunn; K Scherer; J M Gilsbach; A Thron Journal: Acta Neurochir (Wien) Date: 2004-01-22 Impact factor: 2.216